The lion dance is a traditional Chinese dance performed on big occasions for good luck and prosperity, as     1     is believed that the lion symbolizes power and wisdom. Also, the lion dance is a way     2     (create) a festive atmosphere and bring happiness.

Chinese lion dances     3     (perform) by two “dancers” in a lion costume. Accompanied by the music of beating drums, lion dancers imitate a lion’s various movements or demonstrate martial arts’ agility (敏捷) ,     4     (depend) on the style.

Before the Han Dynasty, only a few lions had reached the Central Plains from the western area of ancient China due to the Silk Road trade. At that time, people imitated the     5     (appear) and actions of the newly arrived lions in a performance,     6     developed into the lion dance in the Three Kingdoms period and then became popular     7     the rise of Buddhism. In the Tang Dynasty, the lion dance was one of the court dances. After that, the lion dance became a custom during the Spring Festival.

The lion dance is     8     excellent example of Chinese folk culture, which has spread across the world with Chinese immigration. Up to now, overseas Chinese in Europe, America, etc.     9     (establish) many lion dance clubs, performing on Chinese festivals or big occasions,     10     (particular) Chinese New Year.

8 . When I was young, my dad would always play music in the house. I’d dance to Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. Whenever he played Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, I’d grab my skipping ropes and skip to the beat. I’d request Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata when I was getting ready for bed. Listening to classical music was part of my daily routine. I eventually learned how to play the piano.

After I had my own daughter, I was excited to introduce her to classical music. However, this excitement soon led to disappointment as no matter what piece I chose, she would not listen.

Then one day in October, everything changed. My daughter came home and announced, “I want to dress up as a bumblebee (大黄蜂) for Halloween. Can you make me a costume, Mom?” Of course, I agreed to sew her a bumblebee costume. But at the same time, the bumblebee gave me an idea.

I worked all week on the costume. On Halloween night, my daughter put the costume on and looked in the mirror. Her eyes lit up.

She began making buzzing noises (嗡嗡声)— and I was ready. “Can you fly like a bumblebee?” I asked. As she began to buzz around the room, I quickly started playing Flight of the Bumblebee.

As the fast-paced violin music began, my daughter buzzed around to the music. She never stopped moving.

When the music came to its final bars, my daughter shouted, “Play it again, Mom!” So I played it again.

Since that night, classical music has become more prevalent (普遍的) in our household. Eventually, she learned how to play the violin and guitar.

I still have that costume stored away in a special box. I hope to pass it on to my grandchildren one day and see what happens.

10 . A 63-year-old man learning ballet a decade ago has become a hit on social media. James Cox has been a ballet ___________ as long as he can remember, but he never really got the chance to practice it himself. Growing up in a poor rural family, his main focus was always on ___________ or doing housework instead of dancing that was definitely a ___________ he could not afford. He ended up becoming a farmer, but he never got over his love for ballet.

“One day, I saw a ballet basic training course on TV, which ___________ the idea that I should try to learn to dance,” James said in an interview. Ballet requires a fit and ___________ body that is almost impossible to ___________ at a certain age without lifetime training. Becoming a ballet dancer at age 53 was far from ___________ in the world, and most of his friends didn’t understand why he ___________ this tough training at his age. But James Cox ___________ them all with the help of his family, who have always been very ____________ of his passion.

Not only does ballet make him a delighted man, but he is convinced that it has done ____________ for his health as well. “In the past, I had stomach problems. After dancing ____________ over the past decade, the stomach issues have mostly ________   ,” the 63 year old ballet dancer said “When I am in this class, I feel ____________ as if I have become young again,” James added “I am now doing what I ____________ to do when I was young.”